The Government has announced that the use of the Malawi National Electronic Procurement System (MANePS) will become mandatory for all Procuring and Disposing Entities (PDEs) at the start pf the 2026/2027 Financial Year.

Presenting the 2026/2027 National Budget in Parliament on Friday, Minister of Finance, Economic Planning and Decentralization, Joseph Mathyola Mwanamvekha, said the move is aimed at strengthening efficiency, transparency and accountability in Public Procurement.

“Mr. Speaker Sir, in order to enhance efficiency and effectiveness on public procurement and disposal operations in all procuring and disposing entities (PDEs) the use of Malawi National Electronic Procurement System (MANePS) will be mandatory effective 1st April 2026.” Mwanamvekha said.

According to him, all Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) are required to procure goods and services through MANePS. 

The mandatory rollout of MANePS forms part of broader Public Finance Management reforms aimed at tightening controls in the use of public resources and curbing corruption.

By requiring all MDAs to procure goods and services exclusively through MANePS, Government aims to enhance value for money, improve competition among suppliers and strengthen oversight in the management of public funds.

It also complements Government’s broader digitalization agenda.

The reform marks a significant milestone in Malawi’s journey toward digital governance, fiscal discipline and zero tolerance for corruption in Public Procurement.

Government has further directed heads of Government Institutions not to sign contracts committing Government without prior approval of the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public assets Authority (PPDA) among other authorities.

“No Controlling Officer, Government Officer or Chief Executive Officer should sign a contract binding the Government without prior scrutiny and written approval from Treasury, Ministry of Justice, Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Authority, and Government Contracting Unit,” Minister Mwanavenkha stressed.

This positions PPDA as a key safeguard against irregular, inflated, or unlawful contracts, it reinforces the authority’s mandate to enforce the PPDA Act and strengthen institutional control over public expenditure.